More than 50 people stormed through Bath Saturday morning on a mission to get the best Poker hand of the day. The fourth-annual Paddle Bath Poker run was organized by the Bath Business Alliance, a committee of the Washington-Beaufort County Chamber of Commerce.
The purpose of the event was to promote local businesses. Participants stopped at the Historic Bath Visitor’s Center and Country Kitchen before launching kayaks at the Quarterdeck Marina for stops along piers and points around Bath.
Star Credle, an organizer of the event, was pleased to have great weather for the paddle, though the wind did give her and her pirate hat some trouble. Standing at one of the stops to pass out cards, Credle said she had to hold on to the pier to avoid blowing off of it.
“I didn’t think it (the hat) was gonna act like a sail,” she said.
Tampa, Fla. residents Faye and Jerry Maciaszek were all smiles after the paddle, despite having losing hands.
“It was a blast,” said Faye.
Marti Tolbert paddles every year. She teamed up with first-timer Linda Woods.
“She did really good,” Tolbert said, laughing. “We only bumped into two docks and a boat. That’s all.”
The winning hands came from the first group to finish the Poker run.
“I think they thought it was a race,” said Sandy Holt.
She and husband, Glenn, were in charge of opening sometimes-soggy envelopes in search of a winning hand.
Marcia and John Fischer took first and second place, respectively. Matthew Woolard came in third place. Each had a full house.
Marcia said it was she and her husband John’s third year participating in the event.
“We moved hear two years ago, primarily because we loved kayaking,” Marcia said.
The paddle ended at noon, but many were not ready to leave.
“Let’s go do it again,” laughed Pam Anderson.
Laura O’Brien agreed.
“I think you guys should do this every month,” she said.